“Till this day, PT. LII has not applied for an operational permit, so it has not received a recommendation and has an Approval for the Conformity of Marine Space Utilization Activities (PKKPRL) issued by the Marine and Fisheries Ministry,” said Safrizal.
According to South Halmahera environment and forestry agency, part of the Widi Islands chain is designated as a conservation area with limited utilization. The agency has never issued a license to release the protected forest to PT. LII.
In fact, according to Law 27/2007 on the management of coastal areas and small islands, an island may not be owned by an individual; it can only be managed or utilized in the form of usufructuary rights over small islands up to a maximum of 70 percent of the island’s land area.
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“The provincial government, through PTSP, will suspend the permit. If PT. LII can show the feasibility of land use, the permit can be resumed, otherwise it will be revoked permanently,” said Safrizal.
“Home Ministry will soon hold a follow-up meeting related to the action plan by inviting the Environment and Forestry Ministry, Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Agrarian and Spatial Planning Ministry, Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Ministry and Economic Coordinating Ministry to discuss matters relating to the utilization of islands,” he said. (rr)